Backyard Squirrel hunting

My votes goes to HW95 in .177, unless you have trouble handling little pellets like me then go to .22

I'd go for an HW97K in .22 caliber since you're pesting (I have one just like it). The HW97 is a little heavier than the HW95, which reduces it's felt recoil and makes it easier to shoot from a hold sensitivity perspective. I had an HW95 in .177 caliber and returned it due to it's higher hold sensitivity related to it's lighter stock. The HW97 has an underlever design which tends to be more accurate and doesn't suffer from barrel droop like the break barrel HW95.

Another option would be the HW50s which is lower powered at about 11-12 ft lbs at the muzzle, but has a happy marriage between a lower power plant and lighter stock weight. I have one in .177 and is very easy to shoot and very accurate as well.

Another vote for the 97

When it comes to Weihrauch springers there really no bad choices. They make really nice rifles regardless of the model. Pick the one that looks great to you and go shooting.

My vote is for either the HW77 if you use iron sights or the HW97 if you plan on scoping it. Both are super smooth shooters and not really hold sensitive. My 97 is in .20cal but any of the 4 calibers will get the job done at 40yds. Myself I would choose either .20 or .22 for the best punch on squirrels! I'm not much of a .177 fan just because I have big hands and there kinda fiddly and the .25 would have a pretty loopy trajectory at only 14/15 fpe !

There is 97 in .22 on the classifieds right now for $400!

I really like the looks of the HW57 also but don't have any first hand experience with that one...

Happy Hunting! James from Michigan, 

I have an HW 97 in .177, it is a great rifle, although mine is 12 fpe, so probably not the best choice for hunting (although I have killed squirrels at 20-25 yards). I would have a problem making consistent kill-zone hits at 40 yards, but that's probably me, as I just don't shoot spring guns well. If you practice enough to know your limit with it, I think you would like it. 

A.O.A. offers the 97 in a synthetic/stainless version with an optional moderator. (It's on my wish list)

I would go with .22. I have no experience with .22 but I do have experience with .177 and gray squirrels and they can be tough. If you are doing backyard hunting like I think you are, the last thing you want is to chase an injured squirrel in public because your gun wasn't powerful enough. Also .22 puts you in the reach of larger animals if you so desire.